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Troubleshooting the Costar Multichannel Pipette

The Costar Multichannel pipette is designed for dispensing and sampling up to 12 different liquids at a time. Each liquid is dispensed out of its own channel at an adjustable rate of between 20 to 200 microliters. It's most common problem is inaccurate liquid dispensing. Troubleshooting this problem requires thorough examination of each tip, tip holder, poorly adjusted liquid volume for each channel and worn O-rings. Through an examination of each of these integral components the problem usually has a straightforward resolution.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the dispensing volume on the fixed scale found in the inner barrel. Adjust the volume to a more suitable setting by turning the quick setting knob found on the micrometer head. Check the fixed scale before and after each use, since the quick setting knob is so easily turned.
- 2
  Examine each tip for cracks, bends and general wear. Replace damaged tips by firmly gripping a damaged tip between your thumb and index finger and pull it off the tip holder. Fit a new tip on to the tip holder and firmly push into place.
- 3
  Remove every tip and examine each tip holder for cracks and wear. Unfasten each tip holder from its mounting and check the condition of each tip holder's O-ring. Replace the O-ring if it's frayed, cut or visibly damaged in any way. Thread a new tip holder into the mounting to replace a damaged tip holder.
- 4
  Examine the O-ring found in the micrometer head for any clearly visible damage and replace it if necessary.

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